ISO 15398:2012
(Main)Specifications for thermoplastics covers and frames for manholes and inspection chambers used in non-traffic areas
Specifications for thermoplastics covers and frames for manholes and inspection chambers used in non-traffic areas
ISO 15398:2012 specifies the definitions and requirements for thermoplastics covers and frames for inspection chambers and other such pipeline access products installed in light vehicular access and pedestrian areas and manufactured from unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifier (PP-MD) or polyethylene (PE). The products are rated up to B 125 max. and are intended for use either inside or outside buildings including swimming pool areas but are not intended for use in the carriageway of trafficked areas. It is only applicable to those covers and frames where the manufacturer has clearly stated in the documentation how the frames are installed and assembled to the intended access product, identifying as necessary the manufacturer and grades of product or riser to which the frame is intended to fit.
Spécifications pour couvercles et cadres en matériaux thermoplastiques pour regards et chambres d'inspection utilisés dans les zones sans circulation
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 29-Nov-2012
- Current Stage
- 9093 - International Standard confirmed
- Start Date
- 30-Oct-2023
- Completion Date
- 13-Dec-2025
Overview
ISO 15398:2012 specifies definitions and requirements for thermoplastic covers and frames for manholes and inspection chambers used in non-traffic areas. It applies to products manufactured from unplasticized PVC (PVC‑U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifier (PP‑MD) and polyethylene (PE). Products covered are rated up to B 125 and are intended for light vehicular access and pedestrian areas (including indoor/outdoor use and swimming-pool areas) but are not for carriageways of trafficked roads. The standard applies only where manufacturers provide explicit installation and assembly documentation identifying compatible frames, risers and material grades.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Materials and formulations
- Accepted polymers: PVC‑U, PP, PP‑MD, PE.
- Requirements for UV‑resistant formulations, use of non‑virgin/reformulated materials, sealing rings, metallic fixings and solvent cements.
- Geometrical characteristics
- Dimensions and clear opening (CO) specifications, seating compatibility and flatness of covers.
- Minimum/maximum opening guidance for inspection chambers (manufacturer guidance referenced).
- Mechanical and physical performance
- Classification up to B 125 (suitable for light vehicular loads and pedestrian traffic).
- Tests and criteria for impact resistance, tensile‑impact strength and general durability.
- Performance and durability
- Requirements for long‑term performance, exposure to light/UV and oxidation (references to ISO test methods such as OIT, xenon/UV exposure).
- Safety and user characteristics
- Skid resistance patterns and test methods (Annex C).
- Removal/retention behavior of covers from frames and secure fixing.
- Marking and documentation
- Mandatory marking of covers and frames and clearly documented installation/assembly instructions to ensure correct field use.
- Normative test annexes
- Annex A: material requirements
- Annex B: impact testing
- Annex C: skid resistance testing
Practical applications and users
ISO 15398 is intended for manufacturers, designers, specifiers, procurement teams, installers and asset owners involved with:
- Thermoplastic manhole and inspection chamber covers for parks, pedestrian precincts, domestic drives and building interiors (including pool surrounds).
- Suppliers seeking to certify product performance up to B 125 load class.
- Engineers and installers who need documented installation details to ensure correct frame/riser compatibility.
Related standards
- EN 124 (gully/manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas) - classification reference (B 125).
- ISO 13272, ISO 21138 series - related specifications for manholes and materials.
- Referenced ISO/EN test methods for material, UV ageing, impact and marking requirements.
Keywords: ISO 15398, thermoplastic manhole covers, inspection chamber covers, PVC‑U covers, PP manhole frames, B125, non‑traffic areas, skid resistance, UV resistant thermoplastics.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 15398:2012 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Specifications for thermoplastics covers and frames for manholes and inspection chambers used in non-traffic areas". This standard covers: ISO 15398:2012 specifies the definitions and requirements for thermoplastics covers and frames for inspection chambers and other such pipeline access products installed in light vehicular access and pedestrian areas and manufactured from unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifier (PP-MD) or polyethylene (PE). The products are rated up to B 125 max. and are intended for use either inside or outside buildings including swimming pool areas but are not intended for use in the carriageway of trafficked areas. It is only applicable to those covers and frames where the manufacturer has clearly stated in the documentation how the frames are installed and assembled to the intended access product, identifying as necessary the manufacturer and grades of product or riser to which the frame is intended to fit.
ISO 15398:2012 specifies the definitions and requirements for thermoplastics covers and frames for inspection chambers and other such pipeline access products installed in light vehicular access and pedestrian areas and manufactured from unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifier (PP-MD) or polyethylene (PE). The products are rated up to B 125 max. and are intended for use either inside or outside buildings including swimming pool areas but are not intended for use in the carriageway of trafficked areas. It is only applicable to those covers and frames where the manufacturer has clearly stated in the documentation how the frames are installed and assembled to the intended access product, identifying as necessary the manufacturer and grades of product or riser to which the frame is intended to fit.
ISO 15398:2012 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15398
First edition
2012-12-01
Specifications for thermoplastics
covers and frames for manholes and
inspection chambers used in non-
traffic areas
Spécifications pour couvercles et cadres en matériaux
thermoplastiques pour regards et chambres d’inspection utilisés dans
les zones sans circulation
Reference number
©
ISO 2012
© ISO 2012
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the
address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviations .3
3.1 Terms and definitions . 3
3.2 Abbreviations . 3
4 Material .4
4.1 Other materials . 4
4.2 Utilization of non-virgin materials . 4
4.3 UV resistant formulations . 4
4.4 Sealing rings . 5
4.5 Metallic fixings . 5
4.6 Solvent cement . 5
5 General characteristics .5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Removal of covers from frames . 5
5.3 Appearance . 5
5.4 Colour . 5
6 Geometrical characteristics .5
6.1 Dimensions - general . 5
6.2 Total clearance between cover and frame . 6
6.3 Compatibility of seatings . 6
6.4 Flatness of manhole covers . 6
6.5 Anti .
skid pattern . 6
7 Classification and installation .6
8 Mechanical characteristics .7
9 Physical characteristics .7
10 Performance and durability requirements .8
10.1 General performance . 8
11 Marking of covers and frames .8
11.1 Marking of covers and frames . 8
11.2 Additional documentation . 9
Annex A (normative) Material requirements for materials used in covers and frames .10
Annex B (normative) Impact test on covers and frames .11
Annex C (normative) Skid resistance test .12
Bibliography .15
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International
Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies
casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15398 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 138, Plastics pipes, fittings and valves for the
transport of fluids, Subcommittee SC 1, Plastics pipes and fittings for soil, waste and drainage (including
land drainage).
iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved
Introduction
This International Standard is based on the results of the work being undertaken in ISO/TC 138 “Plastics
pipes, fittings and valves for the transport of fluids”, CEN Committee TC 165 and CEN Committee TC 155.
They are supported by separate standards on test methods and by European Standards for covers and
frames to which references are made throughout the System Standard.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15398:2012(E)
Specifications for thermoplastics covers and frames for
manholes and inspection chambers used in non-traffic areas
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the definitions and requirements for thermoplastics covers and
frames for inspection chambers and other such pipeline access products installed in light vehicular access
and pedestrian areas and manufactured from unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene
(PP), polypropylene with mineral modifier (PP-MD) or polyethylene (PE). The products are rated up to B
125 max. and are intended for use either inside or outside buildings including swimming pool areas but
are not intended for use in the carriageway of trafficked areas.
This International Standard is only applicable to those covers and frames where the manufacturer has
clearly stated in the documentation how the frames are installed and assembled to the intended access
product, identifying as necessary the manufacturer and grades of product or riser to which the frame is
intended to fit.
NOTE 1 The cover and frame are normally manufactured by injection moulding.
NOTE 2 Fibre reinforced covers and frames are not covered by this International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 580, Plastics piping and ducting systems — Injection-moulded thermoplastics fittings — Methods for
visually assessing the effects of heating
ISO 1043-1, Plastics — Symbols and abbreviated terms — Part 1: Basic polymers and their special
characteristics
ISO 1133-1, Plastics — Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of
thermoplastics — Part 1: Standard method
ISO 1183-1, Plastics ― Methods for determining the density of non cellular plastics ― Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pyknometer method and titration method
ISO 1183-2, Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics — Part 2: Density
gradient column method
ISO 2507-1, Thermoplastics pipes and fittings — Vicat softening temperature — Part 1: General test method
ISO 3126, Plastics piping systems — Plastics components — Determination of dimensions
ISO 3127, Thermoplastics pipes — Determination of resistance to external blows — Round the-clock method
ISO 3506-1, Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fastners — Part 1: Bolts, screws and
studs
ISO 3506-2, Mechanical properties of corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners — Part 2: Nuts
ISO 4435, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Unplasticized
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U)
ISO 4892-2, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
ISO 4892-3, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 3: Fluorescent UV lamps
ISO 8256:2004, Plastics — Determination of tensile-impact strength
ISO 8772, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Polyethylene (PE)
ISO 8773, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Polypropylene (PP)
ISO 11357-6, Plastics — Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) — Part 6: Determination of oxidation
induction time (isothermal OIT) and oxidation induction temperature (dynamic OIT)
ISO 13229, Thermoplastics piping systems for non-pressure applications — Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride)
(PVC-U) pipes and fittings — Determination of the viscosity number and K-value
ISO 13272, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Unplasticized
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifiers (PP-MD) and
polyethylene (PE) — Specifications for manholes and inspection chambers in traffic areas and underground
installations
ISO 21138-1, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Structured-
wall piping systems of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene
(PE) — Part 1: Material specifications and performance criteria for pipes, fittings and system
ISO 21138-2, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Structured-
wall piping systems of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene
(PE) — Part 2: Pipes and fittings with smooth external surface, Type A
ISO 21138-3, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Structured-
wall piping systems of unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene
(PE) — Part 3: Pipes and fittings with non-smooth external surface, Type B
EN 124:1994, Gully tops and manhole tops for vehicular and pedestrian areas — Design requirements, type
testing, marking, quality control
EN 681-1, Elastomeric seals — Materials requirements for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage
applications — Part 1: Vulcanized rubber
EN 681-2, Elastomeric seals — Materials requirements for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage
applications — Part 2: Thermoplastic elastomers
EN 681-3, Elastomeric seals — Materials requirements for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage
applications — Part 3: Cellular materials of vulcanized rubber
EN 681-4, Elastomeric seals — Materials requirements for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage
applications — Part 4: Cast polyurethane sealing elements
EN 12164:2011, Copper and copper alloys — Rod for free machining purposes
ENV 12633:2003, Method of determination of unpolished and polished slip/skid resistance value
CEN/TS 14541, Plastics pipes and fittings for non-pressure applications ― Utilization of non-virgin PVC-U,
PP and PE materials
EN 14680, Adhesives for non-pressure thermoplastic piping systems — Specifications
EN 14758-1, Plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage — Polypropylene
with mineral modifiers (PP-MD) — Part 1: Specifications for pipes, fittings and the system
EN 14814, Adhesives for pressure thermoplastic piping systems — Specifications
2 © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved
3 Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions and abbreviations given in ISO 4435, ISO 8772,
ISO 8773, ISO 21138-1, ISO 21138-2, ISO 21138-3, EN 14758-1, ISO 13272, ISO 1043-1 and the following apply.
3.1 Terms and definitions
3.1.1
Inspection chamber
drainage or sewerage fitting used to connect drainage or sewerage installations and/or to change the
direction of drainage or sewerage runs, which terminates at ground level
NOTE 1 It can be supplied either with an integral riser or a separate a riser shaft in both cases having a 200 mm
minimum outer diameter and an inner diameter of less than 800 mm. For non-circular chambers the minimum
clear opening should be 200 mm with a maximum opening width of 800 mm
NOTE 2 The opening at ground level permits the introduction of cleaning, inspection and test equipment and
the removal of debris but does not provide access for personnel.
3.1.2
riser shaft
usually circular structure providing a vertical conduit between the base unit and the near ground level
NOTE The riser shaft can be supplied either as a separate component for site jointing to the base unit, or
integrally formed with the base unit by the manufacturer.
3.1.3
near-surface components
components which, where provided, connect to the top of the riser shaft and provide a seating for the
cover and its frame
3.1.4
telescopic part
part of the assembly that allows accommodation of settlement that might occur after installation and
allows adjustment of the height of the chamber
3.1.5
cover frame
component that provides a stable support for the cover on its top surface and on its bottom surface
attaches to the riser or near surface components or alternatively is imbedded in concrete as required by
the installation details supplied by the manufacturer of the chamber or manhole
3.1.6
clear opening
CO
diameter of the largest circle that can be inscribed in the clear area of the frame
NOTE 1 Expressed in mm.
NOTE 2 See EN 124.
3.1.7
reformulated material
recyclable / reprocessable material that has been reformulated, by the use of additives and processing
techniques, to meet an agreed specification
NOTE Typically the additives used would be stabilizers, pigments, etc; the reformulated material taking the
form of homogeneous pellets, granules, powder, etc. with the produced batch having consistent physical properties.
3.2 Abbreviations
DN/ID nominal size, inside diameter related
DN/OD nominal size, outside diameter related
PVC-U unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride)
PE polyethylene
PP polypropylene
PP-MD polypropylene with mineral modifiers
4 Material
A material fulfilling the requirements in one of the standards listed in Table 1 may be used for
manufacturing covers and frames without additional material requirements.
Table 1 — Standard materials and corresponding pipe standards
Standard material Corresponding pipe standard
Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) ISO 4435, ISO 21138-2, ISO 21138-3 & ISO 13272
Polypropylene (PP) ISO 8773, ISO 21138-2, ISO 21138-3 & ISO 13272
Polyethylene (PE) ISO 8772, ISO 21138-2, ISO 21138-3 & ISO 13272
Polypropylene with mineral modifiers (PP-MD) EN 14758-1 & ISO 13272
4.1 Other materials
When a material not fulfilling the material requirements of the standards listed in Table 1 is used
...
ISO 15398:2012은 비교행위 지역에 사용되는 맨홀과 점검용 챔버용 열가소성 폴리머 커버와 프레임에 대한 명세를 제시합니다. 이 표준은 비투명 폴리비닐클로라이드(PVC-U), 폴리프로필렌(PP), 광물 수정제를 포함한 폴리프로필렌(PP-MD) 또는 폴리에틸렌(PE)으로 제조되는 제품에 적용됩니다. 이 제품들은 최대 B 125까지 등급이 매겨지며, 가벼운 차량 이동 및 보행 지역에 설치되는 것을 목적으로 합니다. 수영장지역을 포함한 실내 또는 실외 건물에서 사용할 수 있지만, 도로에서 사용하는 것은 아닙니다. 이 표준은 프레임이 설치되고 접속된 대상 제품과 함께 어떻게 조립되는지를 제조업체가 문서로 명확히 명시한 경우에만 적용됩니다. 이때 프레임이 의도된 접근 제품, 제조업체와 제품 등급, 또는 높이 조정 장치에 맞는지를 구분하여 언급해야 합니다.
The article discusses ISO 15398:2012, which provides specifications for thermoplastics covers and frames used in manholes and inspection chambers in non-traffic areas. The standard applies to products made from PVC-U, PP, PP-MD, or PE, and rated up to B 125 max. These products can be used indoors or outdoors, including swimming pool areas, but not on trafficked areas. The standard only applies if the manufacturer clearly states in their documentation how the frames are installed and assembled to the intended access product, including the manufacturer and grades of product or riser for which the frame is intended.
ISO 15398:2012は、非交通地域で使用されるマンホールや点検チャンバー用の熱可塑性プラスチック製カバーとフレームの仕様を定めています。本規格は、不透明ポリ塩化ビニル(PVC-U)、ポリプロピレン(PP)、鉱物改質ポリプロピレン(PP-MD)またはポリエチレン(PE)で製造された製品に適用されます。製品の最大評価はB 125までであり、軽度の車両通行および歩行者エリアに設置されることを目的としています。製品は屋内または屋外、プールエリアなどで使用することができますが、交通路では使用できません。この規格は、メーカーが明確にドキュメンテーションに記載したフレームの設置および組み立て方法、およびフレームが適合する対象製品や製品または上昇装置の製造業者や製品グレードなどを明示している場合にのみ適用されます。










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